Trump’s Hater Finally Sides With Him
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) officially threw her support behind President Trump’s landmark budget plan Saturday night—after weeks of behind-the-scenes talks and deep concerns over the bill’s proposed Medicaid and food stamp reforms.
Murkowski’s vote helped advance the Trump-backed GOP megabill, which aims to strengthen border security, slash taxes, rebuild the military, and reform welfare programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The sweeping legislation is a centerpiece of President Trump’s conservative agenda and has faced intense scrutiny in the Senate.
For days, Murkowski declined to reveal her position. Her hesitation centered around how strict new work requirements for Medicaid and food stamp recipients could hurt Alaska’s vulnerable population—especially in rural areas where technical systems are outdated and error rates are high.
But late Friday, Murkowski scored major wins for Alaska. Republican leaders agreed to:
- Expand rural hospital funding from $15 billion to $25 billion, securing vital resources for remote health care centers across the state.
- Grant Alaska waivers from new SNAP work mandates for able-bodied adults without children.
- Add targeted tax relief, including a unique deduction of up to $50,000 for traditional whaling captains—a major boost for Native communities.
Surrounded by GOP leadership on the Senate floor, Murkowski cast her “aye” vote just in time to ensure the bill advanced, 51-49. Her support may prove decisive in getting President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” across the finish line.
With Trump’s plan promising tax cuts, a stronger military, and welfare reform that rewards work, the conservative base has plenty to cheer. And for Alaska, Murkowski showed that fighting for local values can go hand-in-hand with delivering national wins.
